Instant Picks of the Week 2/23/18
Gone are the days of scrolling mindlessly through your queue! No longer will you have to sift through the vastness of what’s coming to the instant viewing wastelands this month! Whether you’re looking for a stellar film or an exciting new show to binge, Instant Picks of the Week brings you the hottest releases in film and television on instant viewing platforms that we know you’ll love, or at the very least not despise.
CHARMED (Netflix)
Created by Constance M. Burge, CHARMED is television show about three sisters who discover that they come from a long line of witches known as “The Charmed Ones.” Debuting in the ‘90s and running for eight seasons, CHARMED features wonderful story and character development, along with three powerful and independent female leads. As a little girl, I had always wanted to be a witch and cast spells. Obviously, that didn’t happen. While I am still a powerless mortal, I can not only live my supernatural dreams through CHARMED, but I can also feel empowered as a woman and inspired to say what I need to say without worrying about how that will affect my image. I mean, they’re courageous witches who fight demons and warlocks everyday—polite and ladylike isn’t necessary. Of course, ‘90s television only had had so much in the way of special effects technology, so one may have to hang in there visually for a season or two. But believe me, the strength it can give any viewer is very, very worth it. [Emma Wine]
GARDEN PARTY (Vimeo)
It’s a stereotype that amphibians are sticky and gross, but after watching GARDEN PARTY, princesses everywhere will be looking for a frog to kiss—even if they don’t turn into a prince afterwards! This seven-minute animated short film takes place in a deserted luxury villa that has been inhibited by frogs and toads. The visual storytelling in the film is exceptional; there is no dialogue involved, but that does not deter the cast of creatures’ goals and personalities from being smoothly conveyed within a matter of minutes. The story follows four specific amphibians, two frogs and two toads, as they explore the interior and exterior of a house, comically reflecting human tendencies of lust, gluttony, and curiosity. As they explore, the background details reveal clues into what caused the violent and mysterious disappearance of the homeowner. The animation is so detailed that viewers can almost feel the humid and rancid air that permeates the house stick to their skin. Illogic, the team of french directors who brought this film to life, finished it in 2016 as their graduating project. Since then, it has won Best Young Production at the Animago Festival, and been nominated for Best Student Project at the VES Awards as well the 2018 Oscars! The group is well-deserving of all the attention they’re receiving because this is the perfect product of art and entertainment. Anyone who hasn’t seen it needs to go check out GARDEN PARTY today! [Jade Michaels]
